Page 9 of Rakes & Reticules
Roman wished he could have skipped visiting his mother and gone straight to London. Her ramblings and reprimands had both been tedious and frustrating. She had seemed happy to see him, but he didn’t think it was for his sake. His mother was practical and knew having one of her sons still alive was to her benefit. If one of his cousins inherited the title, she might not be so well off. As the mother of the earl, she was held in much higher regard in society. The Dowager Countess of Kendal enjoyed having the ear of the most prominent members of society and wanted to stay exactly where she’d been placed upon her husband’s death. She didn’t have to be a wife any longer, but had all the benefits that allowed it.
The visit had been an exercise in futility. He listened to her berate him for his absence while in the same breath, asking when he would leave again. She also intended to go to London for the season and hoped she would see him there. Roman didn’t actually believe she wanted him to attend any societal events searching for a wife, but she probably did hope he would marry and secure an heir for the earldom.
Not because she had any hope of having grandchildren and in turn become a grandmother. His mother had far more mercenary concerns. Grandchildren, or more accurately, a grandson would secure her place. His mother would so hate to fall into a state of destitution, or something she’d consider akin to beggary. Roman would ensure she was taken care of no matter what. It might not be in the fashion she liked though.
He was happy to be away from her loving company. It had left him feeling cold, and he had a deep need for warmth again. Which was why he found himself at the Earl of Harwood’s London townhouse. There were so many people there to attend the debut ball for the twins. He had to wonder if all of the guests actually received an invitation. No one seemed to have been turned away, that was certain. It surprised Roman to find that he had an invitation. Had Athena ensured he would have one? When had the invitations actually been sent?
Roman wanted to believe she wished for him to attend. He wanted to see her again. It had been a very long while since he’d last seen her. All right it had been a little more than a fortnight, but it definitely seemed far longer. He glanced toward the two gentlemen who had agreed to attend with him. “Are you prepared for this?” The carriage almost seemed too small for all three of them. None of them were small in stature.
They were all eligible to the ladies searching for a husband, but Thornridge would have the biggest draw. He pinned Roman with a glare. “I would rather go with Pemberton to one of his favorite brothels.”
“So would I,” the viscount added in a jovial tone. “That is I would like to take myself to one. I can definitely suggest a few more pleasurable choices. Why are we here again?”
“To watch Kendal act the fool,” Thornridge drawled. “I told him he should stay away from this family, but he’s determined to ruin himself with his pursuit of one of the twins.”
“The chit cannot be as terrible as you’re suggesting,” Pemberton said amicably. “I heard they’re all beauties.”
Thornridge was silent for a few moments, then said in a tone so quiet Roman almost missed what he’d said, “No lady is more beautiful than Isla.” He cleared his throat. “They’re all beautiful. That is their allure, but you will regret being in their company. Trust me on that.”
Roman wanted to ask questions, but he held them back. He didn’t think Thornridge would discuss what had happened. He clearly had feelings for Athena’s sister, but he didn’t know how deep they went. Had Isla broken his heart or was it much worse than that… Had Thornridge been his own undoing and ensured he would forever have a hole in his life because he’d done what he should instead of what he desired. Roman would not follow that path. He’d been the dutiful son and went down the expected path already. That had not gotten him anything but pain. He wanted happiness, and that meant claiming the only woman he had ever wanted in his life.
“You’re wrong,” Roman said. “Some things are worth every risk. She is important to me. If that is too much for you, then perhaps you and Pemberton should go to a brothel and leave me here.”
The duke shook his head. “This is where we will be. You may need us.”
“Then keep your opinions to yourself. Some things shouldn’t be spoken.” Roman frowned. “And do try to enjoy yourself. It is a ball. They’re meant for amusement.”
“Blasphemy,” Pemberton mumbled. “Societal events are never as entertaining as the wicked variety.” His green eyes twinkled with mischief. “Though I suppose with the right lady, a ball could be more wicked than even the most decadent house of sin. I’ll see what I can manage at this one.”
Roman closed his eyes and prayed. Pemberton would do whatever he pleased. He always did. “Do try to be discreet,” he told the viscount.
“I’m always the very picture of discretion,” Pemberton scoffed. “Ladies love me. They cannot help themselves.”
“You should control yourself,” Thornridge said. “I do not understand how you have not been trapped into marriage yet.”
“Because of that very discretion I mentioned before,” Pemberton said. “That and I do not bed innocents. That’s a sure way to end up with a knot tying me to one woman for the rest of my days.” He shuddered. “That’s a fate I’d like to avoid for as long as possible.”
The carriage came to a stop at the entrance finally. It felt as if they had been in the carriage forever. They each stepped out of the carriage and headed up the steps leading to the townhouse. It didn’t take that long to reach the ballroom. They were each announced, but no one truly paid any attention. At least not that he noticed… There were far too many guests attending for anyone to be observant of the room as a whole.
Roman wanted to see one woman. He tried to locate her but was failing.
“Is this the ball of the season?” Pemberton asked. “I didn’t know the debut of two young ladies would be such a draw.”
“It’s not simply two young ladies,” Thornridge said ominously. “It’s these specific young ladies, and the identity of their mother or more specifically the family she derived from.”
“What do you mean?” Roman frowned. Thornridge had not been forthcoming with information. He had just warned him to stay away, but gave no real reason for the censure. “What family?
The duke opened his mouth, but then closed it and shook his head. It seemed as if Roman would not get the answers he craved. “Have it your way,” Roman told him. “I’ll find out either way.”
He left Thornridge and Pemberton together and went in search of the woman he’d come to the ball for, and it didn’t take too long for him to find her. She was on the edge of the ballroom, surrounded by gentlemen. Her dark green dress was exquisite and made her a beacon in a sea of dresses. Roman moved toward her and when he reached the circle surrounding her, she glanced up. Her smile when she met his gaze sent warmth through him. This is what he’d been missing.Her.
Roman held out his hand. “Dance with me,” he said. It should have been a question, but he it hadn’t come out that way. He should have asked to see her dance card. What if someone else was supposed to lead her on to the floor?
She grinned and placed her hand in his. “I was saving this one just for you.”
He didn’t know if that was true, and he didn’t much care. He led her to the floor and almost laughed when he realized what music was being played. It was a waltz. Thank God. Something was finally going right in his life.
Roman ignored the pain in his leg. It was worth it to have her in his arms. She fit in his arms as if she was made for him alone. “You’re beautiful,” he told her. “I missed you.”
